Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

Diana’s gut clenched. She’d likely made a mistake. “Well, he didn’t have anyone else.”

Emily looked to Minnie. “Are they taking him to family then? I know why he can’t go back to the countess, but why is Cordelia responsible for someone else’s child?”

Minnie shrugged. “I think Harry reminded Malice of himself.”

Emily nodded absently. “How old was the boy?”

Exile squeezed her waist. “I can’t recall.”

But Jack chose that moment to walk back into the room.

“Jack,” Emily called. “How old is Harry?”

Jack stopped, turning pale.

“I think he was four,” Minnie said, and then she too sat up. “Which would mean…”

The room filled with a breathless silence and Diana didn’t dare move. Emily turned to her husband. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Minnie had both her hands over her mouth.

Jack took a single step toward her, his hands up. “He doesn’t look anything like me, or Daring, he…”

But Minnie let out a gasp as she stood.

Emily stood too, her eyes welling with tears. “You lied again when you promised you wouldn’t.”

“I didn’t lie, I—”

“Get out,” Emily said, pointing at the door. “I don’t want to see you ever again.”

“Emily,” Diana started, reaching for her sister.

“Stay out of it,” Emily barked, sounding far more like Diana might.

Diana snapped her lips closed. She didn’t blame Jack for not sharing. But Emily’s trust in her husband had been hanging by a thread.

Jack took another step toward her. “Please. Love. I had no idea until a few days ago and…”

“A few days?” Her voice rose with every word. “You’ve known for a few days and you didn’t tell me?”

“I don’t know anything,” he answered, trying to shuffle even closer, but Emily planted both hands on his chest and pushed him backward.

“What’s wrong?” Daring said as he walked in with Bad behind him. Vice had already kicked up his feet as though he’d bought a ticket to the theatre.

“You.” Minnie pointed an accusing finger at her husband. “You lying piece of dung. I’m going to have your—”

“What the bloody hell?” Daring stalked over to his wife. “Minnie, what’s happened that you’re so angry—”

Minnie brought her hand down across her husband’s cheek. “How could you not tell me?”

Daring held his face, but red skin peeked out from under his hand.

“They know about Harry,” Jack said quietly.

“The four of us need to talk.” Daring reached for his wife’s arm and began pulling her toward the door.

Jack tried to do the same to Emily but she ripped her arm from his grasp. “I’m not talking to you about anything ever again.” Without warning, he swept an arm under her knees and picked her up.